Losing Grip on the Field: Eintracht's Struggle Post-Riot
The riots leading up to Eintracht Frankfurt's match against Stuttgart left the club in a precarious position. With over 200 people injured, including 57 officers and 59 stewards, the German Football Association (DFB) control committee and the German Police Union are investigating the incident. The police union has even proposed that Hesse should be charged with covering the police costs in future high-risk matches in Frankfurt.
The Critical Stance of the Police
The police are expressing discontent with Eintracht's lenient attitude towards ultras, with Frankfurter police chief Stefan Müller (61) stating, "It's incompatible to have an autonomous ultra scene having sway within the stadium with the club's management's tolerance." Müller set up a special commission to identify close to 50 suspects and asserted that the violence was disproportionate to the occasion.
The Influence of Alcohol and Provocation
The ultras organized a Christmas market near the stadium, serving alcohol, before the Stuttgart match, possibly contributing to the escalation of the events. Eintracht has maintained that they didn't know the match had been upgraded to high-risk status, and the aggression came from the rioters, not the police.
Responding to the Incident
Board member Philipp Reschke (51) acknowledged the attacks on stewards and police as inexcusable, promising to deal with the repercussions. The second leg of the Conference League against Salonika is approaching, with the Greek fans planned to attend, adding another layer of complexity to the stadium security situation.
Enriching the Climate
To address criticism, Eintracht Frankfurt can consider several enhancements:
- Enhanced Security Planning: Collaborate with fan representatives and police, customizing measures to the club's specific requirements.
- Improved Communication: Ensure open channels with all parties, fostering transparency and mutual understanding.
- Fan Engagement: Engage in constructive dialogue with Ultra groups, aiming at mutual benefit and incident prevention.
- Stadium Announcements: Use clear, consistent instructions to inform fans about expected behavior and consequences.
- Fan Education Programs: Offer education programs to help fans understand the importance of maintaining a safe, respectful atmosphere.
- Collaboration with Authorities: Work with local authorities to develop and implement effective security protocols.
- Proactive Measures: Implement preventative measures such as increased surveillance and swift responses to potential incidents.
- Post-Incident Review: Conduct thorough reviews to assess areas for improvement and adjust strategies accordingly.
By addressing the above issues, Eintracht Frankfurt can improve its stance regarding stadium security and fan behavior, striving for a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone.
